A remarkable young man named Jake Weinberg, grandson of Judy and Harold Kutner, embarked on a journey that combined his love of animals with a dash of teenage enthusiasm. This is the heartwarming story of Jake's donation drive, where Jupiter residents came together, fueled by compassion and camaraderie.

Jake's love for animals grew when he started volunteering at Furry Friends Adoption, Clinic & Ranch as a dog walker around the age of 13.  Little did he know that this initial step would lead to a furry companion becoming a cherished member of his own family.

While volunteering at Furry Friends, he was approached about a rescue dog struggling with shelter life.  Asked if he would be willing to take the dog home for the weekend, Jake and his family soon found themselves so attached that the little guy, whom they named Lucky, became a permanent part of their lives, illustrating the profound impact of their commitment to animal welfare.

As Jake juggled his time between his friends, extra-curricular sports, and school, he found a creative way to extend his support.   Armed with fliers and a sense of adventure, Jake, along with his friend Brandon Leibovich, hopped on scooters to spread the word about a donation drive to benefit animals in need.  The response in that first year was overwhelming, inspiring Jake to expand his mission in the following years.  For drive number three, they planned to reach out to Admirals Cove, Abacoa, and Alton.

While Jake and his friends scurried around collecting donations from the other communities, Judy and the Kutner's Labradoodle, Snoopy, our Precious Pet last month, are regulars at the dog park.   Judy used her influence to spread the word among the membership, proud of her grandson's efforts in the charitable program over the past couple of years.

Initially hesitant to use the Kutner home as a drop-off spot, Jake was pleasantly surprised by the community's acceptance.   While offering the Kutner home as a collection point for residents, he didn't receive any calls indicating members were transporting their donations there, leading him to believe it wasn't well accepted.  The Kutners, who were on a cruise while the guys were collecting the donations, arrived home to find their porch laden with generosity from their neighbors.   Pleasantly surprised to find out he was wrong, Jake hurried over to the Kutner home and quickly moved everything into a spare bedroom until he could round up the guys to move the pile of donations out.

Three years later, as Jake, Brandon, Dillon Hoban, and Freshman Cian Hoban reflected on their journey, they stood amazed at the ten carloads of donations they gathered.  From gently used items to brand-new toys, the community's generosity knew no bounds.  The drive that initially began in Jake's neighborhood expanded to cover the three communities, showcasing the unity that transpired beyond their immediate surroundings.   The list of needed items provided by Furry Friends ranged from essentials like laundry detergent to toys that promised joy to the shelter's furry residents and help for the staff and volunteers who desperately needed the supplies.

As Jake approaches his senior year, he plans to pass the torch to a new generation of freshmen for the 2024 donation drive.   With the hope that this legacy will endure, Jake, along with the now-experienced recruit Cian Hoban, aims to keep the supply drive alive, ensuring a lasting impact on the lives of shelter animals.

Stay tuned for an announcement later this year about Jake's plans for collecting in 2024. The magazine invites the Admirals Cove community to continue supporting Jake's mission in the coming years.

Jake Weinberg's story is not just about donations; it's a testament to the power of community, compassion, and the indomitable spirit of a young man determined to make a difference, one paw at a time.

If you’re interested in donating before the next drive, please use the QR code below to see the list of items Furry Friends always needs. For those interested in volunteering, please give the shelter a call at (561) 747-5311 or visit their website (www.furryfriendsadoption.org).

 

Furry Friends is lucky to have the support of community members of all ages! Jake started his supply drive at just 13 years old—it's never too early to teach children and teenagers about showing empathy towards animals! It won’t happen overnight, but the commitment of our volunteers makes it possible for us to envision a more humane and compassionate world for these shelter pets.

– Amanda Duarte Haines, Furry Friends